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Worst flood warnings to be removed from Thames region this afternoon

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by Laura Proto, Chief reporter - Richmond and Twickenham

The highest flood warning will be removed from the River Thames this afternoon.

Severe flood warnings have been in place on the Thames for more than a week, but the warnings are to be downgraded to a flood warning, the second highest warning, this afternoon.

The Environment Agency said although the severe warning was being removed, people should remain vigilant because river levels remain very high across the south-east, including in Elmbridge.

Flood warnings also remain in place for the Thames at Thames Ditton, Thames Ditton Island, East and West Molesey, Hurst Park, Walton Bridge, Desborough Island and the Xcel Leisure Centre.

Simon Hughes, Environment Agency regional manager, said: “Our sincere sympathy is with those who have already experienced flooding and will continue to work with our professional partners and local communities to respond to the ongoing flooding.

“While it is positive news that river levels along the Thames have stabilised enough to remove the severe flood warnings, we are still urging communities to be vigilant as river levels are still high and flood warnings remain in force across many parts of the south east.

“Groundwater flooding also remains a concern as catchments are saturated following the heavy rainfall in the past few weeks.”

People are also advised to avoid walking or driving through flood water and should look out for other hazards, including fallen trees. For more information, visit environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods.

Comments (1)

Inside the Environment Agency Blog: http://www.insidethe
environmentagency.co
.uk - An ex-EA manager put the internal green conflicts succinctly in his comment the other day, so it's lack of proper direction and priorities: John: "You can consider me one of those senior EA manager - worked in various functions for 9 years, the last 3 as a AEM before leaving in 2011. Most functions outside of FCRM are over funded and inefficient (sustainable places, biodiversity, groundwater, fisheries, even EM itself). At least a fifth of the budget could be re-allocated to higher priority projects by reducing these functions without any detrimental impact to their ability to meet legislative requirements. Unfortunately, the Pitt Review from the 2007 floods was rushed, so didn't go far enough, otherwise, the EA would not again be in the position it is in. That being said, there are some very fine, hard-working and dedicated employees."

Inside the Environment Agency Blog: http://www.insidethe
environmentagency.co
.uk - An ex-EA manager put the internal green conflicts succinctly in his comment the other day, so it's lack of proper direction and priorities: John: "You can consider me one of those senior EA manager - worked in various functions for 9 years, the last 3 as a AEM before leaving in 2011. Most functions outside of FCRM are over funded and inefficient (sustainable places, biodiversity, groundwater, fisheries, even EM itself). At least a fifth of the budget could be re-allocated to higher priority projects by reducing these functions without any detrimental impact to their ability to meet legislative requirements. Unfortunately, the Pitt Review from the 2007 floods was rushed, so didn't go far enough, otherwise, the EA would not again be in the position it is in. That being said, there are some very fine, hard-working and dedicated employees."IanIEA